Brazilian Blowout vs. Keratin Treatments: What's the Difference?

If you've ever used "Brazilian Blowout" and "keratin treatment" interchangeably — you're not alone. Most people do. But they're not the same thing, and understanding the difference can save you from a treatment that doesn't work the way you're expecting it to.

On a recent episode of the Beauty Lab Podcast, we talked with Mary Loyer, Regional Sales Director at Brazilian Professionals and one of the original team members who helped build the Brazilian Blowout brand from the beginning — 16 years ago. She's been in every corner of this industry, from Hollywood salons to salons around the world, and she broke down exactly what sets Brazilian Blowout apart.

The Science Behind the Difference

Most keratin treatments use the full keratin molecule. It's bigger, heavier, and because of that, it needs time to cure on the hair — which is why most keratin treatments require you to wait two or three days before you can wash or wet your hair.

Brazilian Blowout uses vegetable-based amino acids instead of the full molecule. Amino acids are the building blocks of keratin — much smaller, which means they fit into the cuticle more gently and don't carry the risk of over-proteinization or drying out the hair over time. And because the formula bonds differently, clients can wash their hair immediately after the treatment. No waiting. No restrictions. You can go to hot yoga, get caught in the rain, or boil pasta for dinner — it won't affect your results.

Where the Ingredients Come From

The amino acids in Brazilian Blowout come from ingredients indigenous to Brazil — acai berry, camu camu, and annatto seed. These coat the outside of the cuticle and create a protective protein layer. The bonding ingredient in the original formula is methylene glycol, which creates a chemical reaction with heat during the flat iron step.

In 2010, federal OSHA tested the formula and found no issues when used as directed. That said, California and several other states have enacted more restrictive beauty ingredient laws — as of 2025, there are 24 prohibited beauty ingredients in certain states. Which is exactly why Brazilian Professionals created BB Free.

What Is BB Free?

BB Free is Brazilian Blowout's alternative formula — no chemical reaction with heat, no smell, no teary eyes. It delivers the same smoothing results as the original formula through a different process, making it an option for clients who are more sensitive, prefer to avoid certain ingredients, or live in states with stricter regulations. The results are the same. The experience is different.

Is Brazilian Blowout Worth the Price?

The treatment runs anywhere from $250 to $400, depending on the salon and your hair. It lasts up to three months — which Mary breaks down to roughly $3 to $4 a day. But the real value calculation is what your daily routine looks like after.

Most clients cut their blow-dry time in half. Many find that because of the protective protein layer on the hair, they wake up with hair that still looks good — meaning fewer wash days and less time styling overall. The longer-term payoff comes from the aftercare products. Clients who use Brazilian Blowout's matching shampoos, conditioners, and deep conditioning masks regularly see results that stretch from two months to three to four months. The aftercare products contain the same ingredients as the professional solution, so they're actively reinforcing the treatment every wash.

The B3 Bond Builder and Leaf & Flower

Brazilian Professionals has also expanded into two additional product lines that are worth knowing about.

B3 Brazilian Bond Builder is mixed directly into color and lightener. It doesn't change the developer, doesn't slow processing time, but it improves gray coverage, enhances vibrancy and longevity of color, and — this is the impressive part — it actually makes hair healthier during blonding than it was before. Mary calls it a "color performance enhancer." It's not designed for damaged hair — it's designed to elevate every color service across the board.

Leaf & Flower is their all-natural, vegan, gluten-free, CBD-based line. CBD has all 20 amino acids that hair is made from, which means it can balance whatever the hair and scalp is missing — whether that's dryness, oiliness, hair loss, or scalp conditions like psoriasis or dandruff. The line includes treatments and aftercare that smell, in Mary's words, like vacation.

One standout from the Leaf & Flower line is the Molecular Mender — a professional treatment applied to wet, clean hair, left under heat for 15 minutes, and rinsed out. It repairs the hair, controls frizz, and seals split ends. The results last 10 washes. Velia has been using it in her salon and says clients call it a mini Brazilian — something she does on clients once a month as a standalone treatment or as an add-on after color or before a cut.

The Volumizing Treatment uses rice amino acids that expand at the root when heat is applied, holding lift and thickness for five washes. It also has a built-in dry shampoo effect from linden berry and beetroot, which repel dirt and oil so clients can extend time between washes.

How to Find a Brazilian Blowout Stylist

If you're in the Bay Area, Velia offers Brazilian Blowout services at Velia Beauty Co. If you're elsewhere, you can use the salon locator at brazilianblowout.com to find a certified stylist near you — searchable by zip code. You can also filter for stylists who offer the original formula or BB Free.

The Beauty Lab Listeners who are Hair Stylists

If you are a hair stylist and you want to consider offering Brazilian Blowouts, Mary Loyer is offering a special deal exclusively you: 10% off your first order plus a 5-piece full-size Styling Kit. Reach out to her directly to take advantage of this:

• 📧 mary@brazilianprofessionals.com
• Instagram: @marybrazilianblowout

Where to Find Brazilian Professionals

• Brazilian Blowout: www.brazilianblowout.com | @brazilianblowout
• Brazilian Bond Builder: www.brazilianbondbuilder.com | @brazilianbondbuilder
• Leaf & Flower: www.leafandflower.com | @leafandflowerhair

Listen to the full episode of the Beauty Lab Podcast for the complete conversation with Mary, including Velia's confession that she's been getting Brazilian Blowout consistently for nearly 18 years and has no plans to stop.

*Sponsored by Velia Beauty Co — cruelty-free, sulfate-free haircare packed with natural minerals and plant proteins. Get 20% off at veliabeautyco.com with code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST.*